Cambridgeshire

Explore the sights from a different viewpoint

If you want to explore the most beautiful and historic parts of Cambridge without the kids whining that their feet hurt or they’re bored, then jumping on board a chauffeured punt is the way to do it. Not only is it hands down the best way to see the sights of the city anyway, but kids will adore the ride on the river, passing under cool bridges like the Mathematical Bridge and learning lots of fun facts as they go. The best company for the job? The Traditional Punting Company with its mooring station on the corner of Jesus Green, where you can enjoy a picnic and run around after your trip too. This company also runs lots of special seasonal events for kids like an Easter Punt and Hunt, a halloween special event and Christmas-themed activities.

Take to the skies at an incredible air museum

Cambs has its very own Imperial War Museum and it’s not just for history buffs as everyone from toddlers to nonagenarians will adore a day out at this fascinating air museum. A day isn’t really enough to be honest as there’s so much to see and do, so set off early and make sure you’re full of stamina for lots of walking and learning fascinating facts. There’s always some sort of activity for kids – last time we went they were invited to make their own mini propeller and there’s a great play area too. Highlights of a visit include walking through Concorde, a ride in the simulator, and walking under the wings of some of the huge planes. Keep an eye out for special events and flying days. 

Come face to face with some exotic animals

Hamerton Zoo Park won the Muddy Stilettos’ 2022 award for best family attraction in Suffolk and Cambs so you know already it’s going to be a good ‘un. As well as loads of fabulous animals (big and small cats, bears, marsupials, primates, birds and reptiles), you can take a ride on the train through a dinosaur infested zone, have fun on the two play areas, enjoy a picnic or lunch in the coffee shop, visit the gift shop and go on a Stroll-a-Safari where you get up close to domestic animals.

Visit a a gorgeous garden with carnivorous plants

Cambridge’s Botanic Gardens are gorgeous at any time of year, although it has to be said they are particularly stunning in spring and summer. Lots of events take place within the grounds throughout the year too. The gardens feature more than 8,000 species of plants and trees including a descendant of the apple tree that helped Sir Isaac Newton develop his theory of gravity and plants that can eat meat apparently! There are also a couple of glass houses that are beautifully toasty on a cold day and are home to all sorts of exotic species. At Christmas there’s a new and stunning winter light trail too.

Meet some majestic birds

For a feel good family day out you can’t beat The Raptor Foundation in Huntingdon. This brilliant attraction rescues, rehabilitates and returns injured birds of prey back to the wild and they invite the public to watch them as they carry out their fascinating conservation work. There are lots of amazing wildlife experiences that kids and adults will enjoy, including the chance to hang out with meerkats, meet the many birds of prey and have your picture taken holding one, watch hawks hunt on a hawk walk through the countryside, and even special days where kids can learn to become a Junior Keeper. Every day there are raptor flying displays to watch too. A tearoom and playground complete the kid-friendly package.

Get up to close to some crocodiles

Johnson’s of Old Hurst is a sustainable family attraction near Huntingdon that has something for everyone and you can while away several very enjoyable hours here. There’s a large and bountiful farm shop with a butchery full of meat directly from the farm. They also sell exotic meats – ostrich, crocodile, buffalo and unusually python. Kids will love visiting the crocodile farm (one of the only ones in the country). There’s also the zoological gardens where you can see alligators, wallabies, macaws, lizards, snakes, owls, cattle, deer and buffalo amongst others. Once you’ve had your animal adventure it’s time to check out the on-site cafe or steakhouse, and then burn off energy from lunch at the excellent play area.

Explore some stunning gardens and houses

You can’t beat a National Trust property with the kids and for a wholesome day out getting some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. There’s always something extra to do for little ones at Anglesey Abbey with a wildlife discovery area, a treehouse, play area, den building, bug hunting, and bird watching, as well as seasonal events like summer sports challenges and of course a spectacular light show in winter. There’s a fab restaurant and gift and plant shop too. Other top houses and gardens to visit in the county include Wimpole Hall and Home Farm, which has a fabulous working farm to visit and excellent play areas.

Take a mosey around some fabulous museums

Don’t tell your kids you’re taking them to a museum for a day out, as you’ll be met with groans. Little do they know how cool our amazing university museums can be though, especially the Museum of Zoology, which is the city’s smaller answer to London’s Natural History Museum. The galleries showcase all the coolest animal skeletons and tell the story of the evolution of everything from marsupials to monkeys, mammoths to manatees. There are always lots of kid-focussed workshops and events on throughout the year too. Other top picks for a bit of cultural and hands-on fun in the city include The Scott Polar Institute, the Fitzwilliam Museum, The Sedgewick Museum of Earth Sciences, Whipple Museum and the History of Science and The Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology.

Have some fun down on the farm

Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, just outside Peterborough has plenty to keep the kids entertained, with friendly farm animals to meet, outdoor spaces to discover, an area dedicated to all things tractor, a restored eighteenth century watermill and every parent’s nightmare, but every child’s dream – a large soft play centre! The farm also hosts lots of interesting workshops for older children like willow weaving, and wood work.

Go full steam ahead on a railway outing to Ferry Meadows

Nene Valley Railway, a living heritage steam railway is a fabulous family attraction in North Cambs. You may recognise the route and trains from the many films and TV shows it has starred in. Little ones will love visiting Thomas the Tank Engine or even going for a ride on him, and there are lots of themed trains during the holidays such as a Princess Express, The Teddy Express and a special superheroes day. Take the train to Overton Station to enjoy the tea room and direct access to Ferry Meadows Country Park (winner of best Family Attraction in the 2023 Muddy Awards), which will mean you can make a full day of it.

Learn new tricks on the water

Grafham Water is England’s third largest reservoir and has a whole host of activities on offer for a family to enjoy. It is surrounded by 1500 acres of countryside and families can walk and cycle the many trails around the water. There’s also fishing, sailing and windsurfing to get involved in as well as play parks and an outdoor mini golf course. If it’s adrenaline-fuelled entertainment you’re after head to the aqua park or nearby Rumble Live (live gaming activity). There are two cafés on site too and miles of walks for dogs.

SUFFOLK

Hit the bullseye at a cool outdoor pursuits centre

One for older kids from age 7 and over, High Lodge is a specialist sporting, leisure and hospitality venue where you can take part in outdoor pursuits like clay shooting, archery, air rifle and fishing taught by some of the UK’s leading names in each field. You can fill hungry tummies at the on-site café in the club house or even make a weekend of it by booking one of the holiday lodges. There’s 120 acres of tranquil woodland, grounds and lakes to explore too (well, tranquil until you let your kids loose at any rate!).

Take part in a fun farm themed event

A great day out for under 10s, Easton Farm Park near Woodbridge has mini kids’ tractors and Shetland ponies to ride, a giant bouncing pillow and animal encounters galore, from cuddling bunnies to feeding sheep. Inside you’ll find a soft play area as well as the chance to get involve din craft workshops. There’s also a café to get a caffeine fix and pick up children’s picnic boxes. If you want to stay longer, book one of the cool and quirky on-site holiday cottages or camping spots. Look out for the many themed months and events at the farm throughout the year.

Walk the walls of Suffolk’s most spectacular castle

You’ll need a head for heights at this 12th-century castle because one of the main attractions is a wall walk along the towering walls with stunning views across the Suffolk countryside. Framlingham Castle is part of English Heritage and is arguably one of the best castles in the country. There’s a lot of history to discover here from Mary Tudor being crowned Queen of England to Ed Sheeran writing a song Castle on the Hill about it (that classes as history right?). You can discover all the fascinating facts on the audio guide and there’s always some sort of kid-friendly event on. It’s a great day out for the whole family, plus there’s a café, shop and dogs on leads can even join you. 

Head to Africa for the day

Future David Attenboroughs will thank you for a trip to Muddy Awards finalist 2022 Africa Alive Zoological Reserve in Kessingland, near Lowestoft. There’s plenty to fill an entire day of family fun here with the chance to get close (but not too close, don’t worry) to lions, rhinos, zebra, chimps and lemurs spread out over more than 100 acres. Endangered wild animals aside, we also love the Discovery Zone, farmyard area, safari train and soft play area as backup entertainment if the weather turns bad. 

Take a trip back to Tudor times

Kentwell Hall and Gardens is so much more than just a beautiful Suffolk stately home. It’s all about living history here and it’s a brilliant family day out for kids and adults who love to get immersed in a story and step back in time. Dressing up is encouraged (when I was a kid went full Anne Boleyn on a trip here!). As well as a back in time Tudor experience there are glorious gardens (30 acres of moats, lawns, walled gardens, massive clipped yews, espaliered fruit trees and giant cedars), as well as the house to look around. Throughout the year there’s a programme of amazing events too.

Embrace the great outdoors

We adore National Trust’s Ickworth Estate for a full family day out in Suffolk. Not only is it simply stunning, but there are miles of walks and trails to enjoy as well as plenty of nice flat roads for riding a bike, trike and pushing prams. The play area is large enough for lots of age kids and there are lots of family-focussed activities on all the time like giant games, explorer packs for kids bug hotel building and geocaching. The Orangery is a great place for a lunch or for something more relaxed there’s the Porter’s Lodge.

Feed rare and exotic animals on a famous farm

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park near Wherstead is a fabulous day out for the whole family. There’s the wildlife park with over 80 species and breeds including traditional, rare and exotic animals from crocodiles, camels and capybara to pigs, and guinea pigs. A fairly new addition worth checking out is the new invertebrate enclosure in the tropical house, home to sun beetles and African train millipedes – larger than we’re comfortable with but a big hit with the kids. There’s also the WonderWood – a magical free play area where kids, big and small, can build their own unique den as well as the land of the ancient dinosaurs (is it even a kids attraction these days without dinosaurs?). Each summer you can even camp with dinosaurs if that’s your kids passion! Adults will enjoy the restaurant, vegetable and flower gardens, as well as the freshly made pizzas in the rustic woodland pub. When you’re done dining and looking at giant anteaters, African pygmy goats and meerkats, pick up some local treats from the brilliant farm shop, and gift, clothing and crafts shops on your way out.

Search for buried treasure

Sutton Hoo is truly fascinating for children who love a historical tale – a king buried under a hill for centuries with his treasure and only discovered on the eve of World War Two. Kids will love learning about this fascinating early medieval find, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the country. History really comes alive at Sutton Hoo, the site of an Anglo-Saxon royal burial of incomparable richness, and there’s a huge amount to learn and enjoy on a visit here. As well as the exhibition of treasures, there’s a sculpture and treasure trail, the chance to explore the burial site and dressing up. And, being the National Trust there’s the usual lovely gift shop and café on site.

Join the fellowship of the ring

At West Stow Anglo Saxon Village & Country Park, you can experience life in Suffolk as it was in AD420 by visiting the fascinating exhibition as well as a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside. Or if your teenagers are more interested in the fictional history of Gandalf, Frodo and Legolas you can enjoy a whole host of Lord of The Rings-themed activities throughout the year, including regular Middle Earth tours and Ring Quest events. Other brilliant events include al fresco theatre, storytelling, games, tours and courses like archery and longbow lessons. Plus you can dress up for the day in traditional garb.

Getting lost in the puzzling pathways then finding your way back out again is a surprisingly satisfying way to while away an afternoon. Southwold Maize Maze and Play Park is a seasonal attraction near Southwold with the play park open from Easter and the maze for the summer hols. The enormous maze is cut annually and the reward for reaching the centre of the maze? A stunning view of Reydon marshes, home to many species of bird and quietly grazing cattle. There’s also a mini maze for little ones to explore too. When you’re not trying to find your way out of a field of corn, there’s also go-karting, three jumping pillows, a play area and a double zip wire to tire the kids out. Head to the Old Hall Café to refuel after all the action.

Swing through the trees in Thetford Forest

To the north of the county on the border with Norfolk you’ll find miles of amazing forest, with the brilliant High Lodge in the middle. Part of the Forestry England, this amazing outdoor pursuits centre has miles of trails (including themed ones for kids) and there’s a Go Ape. Book in for a high ropes adventure and then spend the rest of the day enjoying all the other attractions at High Lodge including a lovely café and brilliant play areas.